Are Bhc franchisees required to purchase the Hot Crunchy Chicken Seasoning, or is it optional?
Bhc Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(i) Throughout the term of this Agreement, Franchisee must purchase, and maintain equipment and inventory as needed to meet reasonably anticipated consumer demand of the BHC Products. Franchisee must also purchase and sell ancillary products, which may include books, specialty foods, packaged foods, books, hats, t-shirts, and novelty items, as we periodically specify, for sale at your Franchised BHC Restaurant ("Ancillary Products"). To ensure highest degree of consistency, service, and quality, Franchisee must practice and conform to the standards, operating procedures, specifications, and rules Franchisor has established for the operation of a Franchised BHC Restaurant, as modified by Franchisor from time to time) including specifications as to ingredients, brand names, preparation, and presentation ("Standards"). Franchisee must purchase all products that Franchisee offers from
Franchisee's Franchised BHC Restaurant, including products which bear any of the Marks, solely and exclusively from Franchisor, or Franchisor's designated supplier.
(j) Before opening the Franchised BHC Restaurant, Franchisee must purchase opening inventory of merchandise and supplies that includes certain proprietary products that Franchisee must purchase from Franchisor and Franchisor's affiliates.
(k) Franchisor will provide Franchisee with a list of approved manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors ("Approved Suppliers List") and approved inventory products, fixtures, furniture, equipment, signs, stationery, supplies and other items or services necessary to operate the Franchised BHC Restaurant ("Approved Supplies List").
The Approved Supplies List may specify a required manufacturer or supplier of a specific product or piece of equipment.
Franchisor reserves the right to designate a required source of supply for certain products and supplies, and Franchisor or an affiliate may be a required source.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–230)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bhc's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to purchase certain proprietary products, including ingredients, from Bhc or its designated suppliers. To maintain consistency and quality, franchisees must adhere to Bhc's standards, operating procedures, and specifications, including those related to ingredients, brand names, preparation, and presentation of products.
Specifically, franchisees must purchase all products offered at their Bhc restaurant, including those bearing Bhc's trademarks, exclusively from Bhc or its approved suppliers. Before opening, franchisees must also purchase an initial inventory of merchandise and supplies, which includes proprietary products that must be bought directly from Bhc or its affiliates.
Bhc provides franchisees with a list of approved suppliers and inventory products, and these lists may specify required manufacturers or suppliers for particular items. Bhc retains the right to designate required sources of supply for certain products, and Bhc or its affiliates may be a required source. While the term "Hot Crunchy Chicken Seasoning" is not explicitly mentioned, the overall framework indicates that if this seasoning is a part of Bhc's standard recipes or bears its trademarks, franchisees would be obligated to purchase it from approved sources.